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Season 1 – Modern Family

Play trailer Poster for Season 1 – Modern Family 2009 Comedy Play Trailer Watchlist
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100% Tomatometer 29 Reviews 95% Popcornmeter 500+ Ratings
Told from the perspective of an unseen documentary filmmaker, the series offers an honest, often-hilarious perspective of family life. Parents Phil and Claire yearn for an honest, open relationship with their three kids. But a daughter who is trying to grow up too fast, another who is too smart for her own good, and a rambunctious young son make it challenging. Claire's dad, Jay, and his Latina wife, Gloria, are raising two sons together, but people sometimes believe Jay to be Gloria's father. Jay's gay son, Mitchell, and his partner, Cameron, have adopted a little Asian girl, completing one big -- straight, gay, multicultural, traditional -- happy family.
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Modern Family — Season 1

Modern Family — Season 1

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Critics Consensus

Thanks to sharp writing and an eccentric but exceedingly likable cast of characters, Modern Family signals the triumphant return of the family comedy.

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Critics Reviews

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Eric Deggans NPR Good acting. Great writing. Human characters played by amazing actors.That might be the one twist network TV hasn't tried quite often enough. Nov 21, 2019 Full Review Hugh Montgomery Independent (UK) It is lifted out of the ordinary by a steady stream of jagged quips; some wonderfully staged set pieces; and performances that struck a finely wrought balance between caricature and naturalism. Nov 7, 2018 Full Review Alice Jones Independent (UK) It ran as a series of vignettes whose punchlines were often not quite strong enough. Still, as with any sketch show, there were some hits among misses... I'd tune in again, just for Ty Burrell's "cool dad" Nov 7, 2018 Full Review Kevin Carr 7M Pictures Even when the show tries to get heartfelt and honest, it doesn't get preachy or annoying. It keeps its messages subtle and doesn't overdo any sort of normalcy. Rated: 4/5 Nov 7, 2018 Full Review Glen Chapman Den of Geek It's a very perceptive, charming and funny series featuring excellent writing and performances that should appeal to a wide audience. Rated: 4/5 Nov 7, 2018 Full Review Nick Venable CinemaBlend Modern Family takes even the most trodden plot devices and makes them fresh with intelligent scripts and engaging performances. Rated: 5/5 Nov 7, 2018 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Raquel E A strong start with great chemistry, heartwarming moments, and smart humor. However, not everything aged well—there’s a specific off-putting joke that really soured one episode. Still, the show balances its ensemble well and builds a solid foundation. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 06/26/25 Full Review L L If you are looking for a sophisticated, clever, and witty writing then this TV show is not for you. It is still entertaining and a bit funny too. I do like Sofia Vergara lol. She seems so original and genuine. Super cute. I think this is what keeps me watching this TV show. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 03/18/25 Full Review Marie-Christine A Loved this show! It is incredible that it was a first season as spectacular as it was and it truly was amazing, nothing more to say. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/18/25 Full Review Jay W I was very late to the game when it came to "Modern Family". When it was first airing back in 2009, it looked like just another entry in the wave of "The Office" mockumentary style comedies trying to capitalize on a popular trend. But now, upon finishing watching the whole series, I can safely say I was wrong. There is a lot of genuine heart, clever writing, memorable characters and hilarious jokes in this series. It is another series from showrunner Christopher Lloyd. Great Scott, not that Christopher Lloyd, the one that produced "Frasier". Despite this show having a very different energy, you can still feel the sharp wit of the Frasier boys as the comedic circumstances unfold. For a show that goes on for 11 seasons, a big thing I look out for is seasonal rot. Much like "the Simpsons" shows can't stay on top forever. How does this do at staying fresh for over a decade? As far as that goes, it is a surprisingly consistent show without feeling stale. The first season is a little awkward, some of the actors and writers were still trying to figure out the characters. And the final season things do seem to drop in quality with them not able to get all the characters in for the episodes. But other than that, it was a very solid run from beginning to end. The heart and soul of the show are the characters. Ed O'Neil, Ty Burrell and all the cast do a terrific job bringing these characters to life. The writers put them into funny situations and the rest of the humor comes from how they play off of one another. These characters were all flawed, that is what makes them interesting. But at the end of the day they love and support one another like a family, that is what makes them endearing. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/01/24 Full Review Ed R Perfect first season! Great attention getter and brilliant comedy! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/07/24 Full Review Audience Member My all time favourite series. I love the comedy and the cast is amazing Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/07/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Modern Family — Season 1

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Cast & Crew

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Ed O'Neill

Jay Pritchett

Sofía Vergara

Gloria Delgado-Pritchett

Julie Bowen

Claire Dunphy

Ty Burrell

Phil Dunphy

Jesse Tyler Ferguson

Mitchell Pritchett

Eric Stonestreet

Cameron Tucker

Episodes

Episode 1 Aired Sep 23, 2009 Pilot Jay has grown children, grandchildren and a gorgeous young wife, who has a preteen son of her own; all together they must bridge generational, cultural and social gaps. Details Episode 2 Aired Sep 30, 2009 The Bicycle Thief Phil is determined to help Luke prove he is responsible enough to have a new bike; Jay and Manny have some father and son time. Details Episode 3 Aired Oct 7, 2009 Come Fly With Me Jay reluctantly takes Phil on a model-airplane excursion, and Gloria goes shopping with Alex. Meanwhile, Claire and Manny get to know each other as siblings. Details Episode 4 Aired Oct 14, 2009 The Incident Jay's ex-wife, Dede (Shelley Long), tries to make amends with everyone she offended at Jay and Gloria's wedding. Details Episode 5 Aired Oct 21, 2009 Coal Digger Tensions rise during a day of barbecue and football at Jay and Gloria's in the wake of an incident between Manny and Luke at school. Details Episode 6 Aired Oct 28, 2009 Run for Your Wife Jay and Gloria have a disagreement about Manny's choice of outfit for his first day back at school; Cameron and Mitchell freak out when Lily gets a bump on the head. Details Episode 7 Aired Nov 4, 2009 En Garde The family comes out to support Manny's newfound interest, fencing; Phil is determined to find Luke's hidden talent. Details Episode 8 Aired Nov 18, 2009 Great Expectations Claire wants to surprise Phil with a private performance by one of their favorite musicians (Edward Norton); Cameron and Mitchell invite their friend Sal (Elizabeth Banks) out for a night on the town. Details Episode 9 Aired Nov 25, 2009 Fizbo Claire and Phil decide to plan the biggest and best birthday party for Luke. Details Episode 10 Aired Dec 9, 2009 Undeck the Halls Claire and Phil threaten to take away Christmas when the kids get into trouble; Cameron and Mitchell take Lily to have her first picture taken with Santa. Details Episode 11 Aired Jan 6, 2010 Up All Night Gloria does not like Jay's reaction to the arrival of Manny's father (Benjamin Bratt); Phil is rushed to the hospital; Mitchell and Cameron try to sleep-train Lily. Details Episode 12 Aired Jan 13, 2010 Not in My House When Claire finds a dirty picture on the computer and assumes it is Luke's doing, guilty Phil does not correct her; Jay and Gloria disagree over his beloved, life-size dog butler statue; Cameron involves himself in the gardener's woes. Details Episode 13 Aired Jan 20, 2010 Fifteen Percent Mitchell plants an idea in Jay's head; Manny's date gets a makeover from Gloria. Details Episode 14 Aired Feb 3, 2010 Moon Landing A visit from an old friend (Minnie Driver) leaves Claire feeling inadequate; Mitchell tries to help Gloria with some legal issues. Details Episode 15 Aired Feb 10, 2010 My Funky Valentine Claire and Phil plan a Valentine's Day excursion; Jay takes Gloria to a comedy show; Cameron and Mitchell try to play cupid for Manny. Details Episode 16 Aired Mar 3, 2010 Fears Phil tries to conquer his fear of the dark when he and Luke go on a discovery expedition underneath the house; Mitchell and Cameron invite Lily's pediatrician over for brunch. Details Episode 17 Aired Mar 10, 2010 Truth Be Told Phil invites his high school girlfriend (Judy Greer) to the house; Jay accidentally kills Manny's pet turtle, then goes to extremes to cover his tracks; overworked Mitchell stands up to his boss. Details Episode 18 Aired Mar 24, 2010 Starry Night Claire and Phil each take on one of the kids' school projects; Gloria and Cameron bond during a night out. Details Episode 19 Aired Mar 31, 2010 Game Changer The release of a new product Phil wants coincides with his birthday; Mitchell has a newfound desire to toughen up; Cameron gets involved in a neighbor's marital problems. Details Episode 20 Aired Apr 14, 2010 Benched Luke and Manny's hot-tempered basketball coach quits during a game, causing Jay and Phil to jockey to fill the position; Mitchell takes Cameron along to meet a prospective employer. Details Episode 21 Aired Apr 28, 2010 Travels With Scout Claire is suspicious when Phil's father shows up for an expected visit; Manny is traumatized by a horror movie. Details Episode 22 Aired May 5, 2010 Airport 2010 Gloria invites the whole family on a getaway to Hawaii for Jay's birthday. Details Episode 23 Aired May 12, 2010 Hawaii An unexpected reality check dampens Jay's plans for relaxation; Phil wants to make the trip romantic for Claire; the kids get into mischief when left to their own devices. Details Episode 24 Aired May 19, 2010 Family Portrait Everything seems to be working against Claire's plans for a new family portrait; Cameron gets a gig as a wedding singer, leaving Mitchell home alone with Lily and a wayward pigeon. Details

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Modern Family — Season 1

Modern Family Modern Family Modern Family View more photos

Season Info

Director
Michael Alan Spiller, Chris Koch, Reginald Hudlin, Randall Einhorn, Jason Winer, Kevin Rodney Sullivan, Steven Levitan
Executive Producer
Steven Levitan, Christopher Lloyd
Screenwriter
Steven Levitan, Danny Zucker, Dan O'Shannon, Joe Lawson, Bill Wrubel, Paul Corrigan, Jerry Collins, Caroline Williams, Brad Walsh, Christopher Lloyd, Alex Herschlag
Network
ABC
Rating
TV-PG (D|L)
Genre
Comedy
Original Language
English
Release Date
Sep 23, 2009
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